How to Treat Cat Bites and Scratches

As much as humans interact with felines, it's no wonder that cat bites are common injuries, especially in children. Treating a cat bite should always start with the safety of all involved, including the patient, the rescuer, and if possible, the cat. Mostly, the cat. At least, that's what the cat would say. The following steps can be taken at home, or wherever the bite occurred.

1. Stay Safe. Secure the cat or the patient, or both. Move one away from the other. If the cat's owner is around, instruct him or her to secure the cat. If not, move the patient to a safe location. Cats may bite or scratch if frightened or their kittens are threatened, so leave them alone. Don't start any treatment until there is a reasonable expectation that the cat won't attack again.
2. If you are not the patient, practice universal precautions and wear personal protective equipment if available.
3. Control any bleeding by using direct pressure and elevation. Avoid using a tourniquet unless there is severe bleeding that cannot be controlled any other way. That's unlikely with a cat (unless the cat is a mountain lion). In the event that direct pressure cannot be maintained for an extended amount of time, direct pressure can be achieved using a pressure dressing.
4. Once the bleeding is controlled, clean the wound with soap and warm water. Clean inside the wound being sure to rinse away all the soap, or it will cause irritation later. Any regular soap will do. There's no reason to use any sort of antibacterial or antiseptic soap.

Regardless of how severe you think the bite is, always consult a physician right away. The wound may need stitches. Wounds on the face or hands should always be evaluated by a doctor because of the likelihood of scarring and potential loss of function.

Since they are often deep, cat bites and scratches are of particular concern for infection.

Watch for these signs of infection:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Heat
• Oozing pus